Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life Changing Experience Abroad Past Review

By (Africana Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Over the course of the trip I learned what I can handle and what I can't handle. I was able to clearly establish my comfort zone and stay within it with no guilt whatsoever. I only did what I was comfortable doing and I always moved at my own pace. I learned that it's ok to establish my own boundaries and stand by them. I also learned to appreciate the people and things in my life because I was so far away from them during the trip.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic style at UCL was very different from my home university and I never really got used to it. I had large lectures and the teaching style was much more hands off.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found the administration to be very large and disjointed in many cases. It seemed like any time I had a question or a problem I was redirected around to different departments and eventually brought back to where I started. Many times I felt like a number rather than a student.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed my arrangements for the most part. My flat was pretty quiet, my room was comfortable and I loved the en-suite bathroom. The heater in the room was very weak and did not do a great job keeping me warm once it got into late November/early December. Also, I would have loved a more updated building that had wi-fi. Sometimes the short ethernet cord was very inconvenient. Finally, my flat mates and I were surprised to find that no pot or pans were provided in the kitchen. We were all international students who obviously did not have room to bring cumbersome kitchen pots in our luggage. It would have been nice if those items had been provided. Especially since we were only staying for 3 months and had to throw away the items we purchased.

* Food:

I did all my own grocery shopping and I was responsible for my food. The food wasn't bad. I purchased things that I knew how to prepare and if I didn't feel like cooking I would just have fast food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated with the culture. I lived in a fast paced area of the city so I got accustomed to walking fast and rushing everywhere. I went to the local bars and pubs several times and had a good time with my friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt fairly safe. I knew I had to look out for pickpocket theft and other crimes. I never had an incident but my flat mate had her entire purse stolen one night when she was at a pub. Her incident raised my awareness and vigilance and I never experienced any problems.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was able to live within my means very easily. I set aside a certain amount of money for the trip and kept myself to a strict budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay disciplined and keep your on a strict budget. Don't allow yourself to stray from what's necessary if your funds don't allow it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The opportunity to learn from a new perspective
* What could be improved?
  • More of a sense of community among students. The school was extremely large and I felt alienated
  • School accommodations that are closer to campus. I missed the feeling of being on a college campus and getting the campus environment
  • More support upon arrival. I felt supported via the internet correspondence that was taking place before I arrived but once I got there I felt as though I was mainly on my own
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the extent to which I would be on my own with very little hands on support from the college. Perhaps I would have chosen a more intimate school and chosen to live in a home-stay.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'